Benefits of Calcitriol Therapy and Serum Phosphorus Control in Dogs and Cats with Chronic Renal Failure: Both Are Essential to Prevent or Suppress Toxic Hyperparathyroidism

Benefits of calcitriol therapy in uremic dogs and cats are considered by discussing mechanisms underlying the positive responses to a survey relating to this treatment. The survey deals with behavioral changes, anorexia, physical activity, and prolongation of lives of treated dogs and cats. Mechanisms of relief of central nervous system depression, anorexia, depressed energy metabolism, muscular weakness, cardiomyopathy, osteodystrophy, and nephrocalcinosis are considered, using evidence from human, experimental, and veterinary medicine to explain the observed benefits. Mechanisms by which serum phosphorus control plays its part in the control of hyperparathyroidism are discussed. Appropriate timing of calcitriol use and recommended doses are considered.